Microprocessor

A microprocessor (abbreviated as µP or uP) is a computer processor on a microchip. It's
sometimes called a  logic chip. A microprocessor is designed to perform arithmetic and
logic operations that make use of  small number-holding areas called  registers. Typical
microprocessor operations include adding,  subtracting, comparing two numbers, and
fetching numbers from one area to another. These operations are the result of a set of
instructions that are part of the microprocessor design. When the computer is turned on,
the microprocessor is designed to get the first instruction from the basic input/output
system (BIOS) that comes with the computer as part of its memory. After that, either the
BIOS, or the operating system that BIOS loads into computer memory, or an
application program is "driving" the microprocessor, giving it instructions to perform.  
The number of transistors available has a huge effect on the performance of a processor.
As seen earlier, a typical instruction in a processor like an 8088 took 15 clock cycles to
execute. Because of the design of the multiplier, it took approximately 80 cycles just to
do one 16-bit multiplication on the 8088. With more transistors, much more powerful
multipliers capable of single-cycle speeds become possible.  
A microprocessor is made from miniaturized transistors and other circuit elements on a
single semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) . These are made up oof semiconductor and  
silicon.